Persian-style Lamb Meatballs

Persian-Style Lamb Meatballs Recipe - Exotic Flavors in Your Kitchen

Region / culture: Persia | Preparation time: 30 minutes | Cooking time: 20 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Persian-style Lamb Meatballs are a delicious and flavorful dish that combines ground lamb with traditional Middle Eastern spices and herbs. These meatballs are perfect for a family dinner or a special occasion, and are sure to impress your guests with their unique taste.

History

The recipe for Persian-style Lamb Meatballs has been passed down through generations in Middle Eastern households. Lamb is a popular meat in Persian cuisine, and is often used in dishes like kebabs and stews. The combination of spices like coriander and cumin, along with fresh herbs like dill and mint, gives these meatballs a distinct and aromatic flavor.

Ingredients

0.75 cup of fine ground bulgur wheat
2 cups of boiling water
2 lb (907 g) of finely ground lamb stew meat
0.5 cup of finely chopped yellow onions
0.5 cup of pine nuts
3 tbsp of olive oil
2 beaten eggs
1 tsp of ground coriander
2 tsp of ground cumin
3 tbsp of lemon juice
2 tbsp of fresh ground dill
1 tbsp of chopped fresh mint
0.5 tsp of salt
ground pepper

How to prepare

In a small bowl, let the bulgur soak in the boiling water for 0.5 hour.
Drain the bulgur well.
In a large bowl, combine the ingredients for the meatballs, including the drained bulgur, and mix thoroughly.
Shape the mixture into 1.5 inch balls and place them on a baking sheet. (Keep your hands damp with a little water to make it easier to form the meatballs).
Bake the meatballs in a preheated oven at 375°F (191°C) for 20 minutes, or until they are just cooked through.

Variations

You can customize the spices in the meatballs to suit your taste preferences. You can also add chopped parsley or cilantro for an extra burst of flavor.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to drain the bulgur well after soaking it in boiling water, as excess moisture can make the meatballs too wet.

- Keeping your hands damp with water while shaping the meatballs will prevent the mixture from sticking to your hands.

- Be careful not to overcook the meatballs, as they can become dry and tough if cooked for too long.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the Persian-style Lamb Meatballs with a side of rice pilaf and a fresh salad for a complete and satisfying meal.

Cooking Techniques

Baking the meatballs in the oven ensures that they cook evenly and retain their shape.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can use ground beef or ground turkey instead of lamb in this recipe. You can also substitute quinoa for bulgur for a gluten-free option.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the meatball mixture ahead of time and refrigerate it until you are ready to bake the meatballs.

Presentation Ideas

Serve the Persian-style Lamb Meatballs on a platter garnished with fresh herbs and a drizzle of olive oil for an elegant presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair the Persian-style Lamb Meatballs with a glass of red wine or a refreshing cucumber mint cooler.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover meatballs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the oven or microwave until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Persian-style Lamb Meatballs contains approximately 300 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Persian-style Lamb Meatballs contains approximately 10 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Persian-style Lamb Meatballs contains approximately 15 grams of fat.

Proteins

Each serving of Persian-style Lamb Meatballs contains approximately 25 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

Persian-style Lamb Meatballs are a good source of iron, vitamin B12, and zinc.

Alergens

This recipe contains wheat and pine nuts, which may be allergens for some individuals.

Summary

Persian-style Lamb Meatballs are a nutritious and protein-rich dish that is perfect for a balanced meal.

Summary

Persian-style Lamb Meatballs are a delicious and aromatic dish that is perfect for a special occasion or a family dinner. With a unique blend of spices and herbs, these meatballs are sure to become a new favorite in your household.

How did I get this recipe?

The memory of finding this recipe for the first time is still fresh in my mind. It was a warm summer day, and I was visiting my dear friend Farah, who had recently moved to the United States from Iran. As we sat in her cozy kitchen, sipping on fragrant Persian tea, she shared with me the secret to making the most delicious Persian-style Lamb Meatballs.

Farah's eyes sparkled with excitement as she began to explain the intricate process of creating these savory treats. She told me that the key to the recipe was using the freshest ingredients, including ground lamb, onions, garlic, and a blend of aromatic spices such as cumin, coriander, and cinnamon. She also stressed the importance of patience and precision in shaping the meatballs, as they needed to be perfectly round and uniform in size.

As Farah demonstrated each step of the recipe, I watched in awe as she expertly mixed the ingredients together, forming the meat mixture into small balls with her hands. The kitchen was filled with the tantalizing aroma of the spices mingling with the savory scent of the lamb, and my mouth watered in anticipation of tasting the finished dish.

After shaping the meatballs, Farah seared them in a hot skillet until they were golden brown and crispy on the outside. She then transferred them to a simmering pot of fragrant tomato sauce, where they would slowly cook and absorb all of the delicious flavors.

As the meatballs simmered away, Farah shared with me the story behind the recipe. She told me that it had been passed down through generations of her family, and that she had learned to make it from her grandmother when she was just a young girl. She spoke with fondness of the memories of cooking with her grandmother in the bustling kitchen of their home in Tehran, and how she had cherished the time spent learning the traditional recipes that had been handed down through the years.

As we sat at the table, waiting for the meatballs to finish cooking, Farah poured us each a glass of sweet rosewater lemonade, a refreshing drink that was perfect for a hot summer day. She smiled warmly at me and said, "Now we wait for the magic to happen. The longer the meatballs simmer, the more tender and flavorful they will become."

After what seemed like an eternity of tantalizing smells wafting from the pot on the stove, Farah finally declared that the meatballs were ready. She ladled them onto a platter and garnished them with a sprinkle of fresh parsley and a dollop of creamy yogurt. The sight of the golden-brown meatballs, nestled in a pool of rich tomato sauce, was a feast for the eyes, and I couldn't wait to dig in.

As I took my first bite, I was transported to a world of exotic flavors and aromas. The lamb was tender and juicy, infused with the warm spices and fragrant herbs that Farah had so carefully combined. The tomato sauce was rich and velvety, with a hint of sweetness that balanced perfectly with the savory meatballs. Each bite was a symphony of flavors, a culinary masterpiece that had been crafted with love and tradition.

As I savored each mouthful, I felt a deep sense of gratitude for my dear friend Farah, who had generously shared her family recipe with me. I knew that I would treasure this experience forever, and that I would pass on the recipe for Persian-style Lamb Meatballs to future generations, just as Farah had done for me.

And so, as the sun began to set outside Farah's kitchen window, casting a warm golden glow over the room, I sat contentedly at the table, surrounded by the lingering scent of spices and the laughter of dear friends. In that moment, I felt truly blessed to have learned the secret to creating a dish that was not just food, but a celebration of culture, tradition, and the enduring bond of friendship. And as I took another bite of those delicious meatballs, I knew that I would carry the memory of this day with me always, a cherished treasure that would nourish my soul for years to come.